Stan Wawrinka was speaking about Roger Federer’s recent Twitter post that had caused a stir in the tennis community
Swiss star Stan Wawrinka admitted that the plans to merge ATP and WTA under one umbrella organisation existed long ago.
The former World No.3 and three-time Grand Slam winner was speaking about his fellow countryman and tennis legend Roger Federer’s recent tweet regarding the merger of tennis’ two bodies.
Federer had last week come up with a proposal of uniting the men’s and women’s tennis organisations under one body in his official Twitter handle.
Federer’s tweet had garnered a lot of attention with stars such as Rafael Nadal and former World No.1 Billie Jean King supporting the Swiss maestro’s suggestion.
One of the most followed and celebrated sports personalities on the planet, Wawrinka also spoke about Federer’s influence upon the tennis community.
Just wondering…..am I the only one thinking that now is the time for men’s and women’s tennis to be united and come together as one?
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 22, 2020
“Roger Federer’s tweet surprised everyone because he comes from a great player. Usually, when he says something, he says it with hindsight and it’s a real thought. When Roger speaks, everything goes faster,” Wawrinka said during an interview with newspaper L’Equipe.
“He’s on the board of players and spoke to Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal. But these are not discussions that have started now, they existed long ago with the authorities. It is difficult to configure it now. If the ATP and the WTA find the correct formula, it can be very interesting for the future of tennis,” he said.
Wawrinka also highlighted the important role played by the ‘Big Three’ which includes Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic.
Wawrinka calls for assistance to struggling players
Meanwhile, Wawrinka gave an insight into the divide between the elite and lowest-ranked players that persisted in tennis. He was of the opinion that tennis existed solely due to players and not just the elite ones and rooted for harmony in the sport.
“It is important to support the players who are struggling the most. If tennis exists it is thanks to tennis players, but not only to those who are in the elite. But it also shows that there is a lack of harmony in professional tennis,” Wawrinka opined.
The Swiss tennis player also shared his views on the future of tennis this season after all games and Tours where suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.
According to him, anything could happen in the future and there existed a possibility of the remainder of the season getting scrapped.
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